Paolo Banchero put on a stellar performance, scoring 33 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a convincing 116-97 victory over the Miami Heat in the season opener for both teams. Franz Wagner also contributed with 23 points, while Gary Harris added 18 points, all coming from 3-pointers. The Magic were on fire from beyond the arc, making 18 of their 49 attempts.
On the other side, Terry Rozier led the scoring for Miami with 19 points, followed by Nikola Jovic with 15 points and Tyler Herro with 14 points. The Heat honored Pat Riley with a halftime ceremony, but they couldn’t keep up with the Magic’s offensive firepower.
The third quarter was particularly dominant for the Magic, outscoring the Heat by 21 points and setting the tone for the rest of the game. This marked the most lopsided third quarter on the road for the Magic in over a decade.
Paolo Banchero’s 33-point performance now ranks him third in Magic history for most points scored in a season opener. He joins the ranks of Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Anderson, and Anfernee Hardaway in this impressive feat. Looking ahead, Orlando will play their home opener against Brooklyn, while Miami will face Charlotte in their next game.
It was a strong start for the Magic, showcasing their improved 3-point shooting and offensive capabilities. The team’s focus on utilizing the 3-pointer as a key weapon this season paid off, as they surpassed their previous record for 3-point attempts in a first half. This strategic shift in their gameplay bodes well for their future performances.
Despite the loss, Miami has room for growth and improvement as they look to bounce back in their upcoming games. Jimmy Butler’s off night shooting-wise is a rare occurrence, but the Heat will need him to step up in order to secure wins moving forward.
Overall, the Magic’s victory over the Heat was a statement win and a strong start to their season. With key players like Banchero and Wagner leading the way, Orlando has set a high standard for themselves as they aim to make a mark in the league.
